The Great Gatchina Palace is a palace in Gatchina, Leningrad Oblast, Russia. It was built from 1766 to 1781 by Antonio Rinaldi for Count Grigori Grigoryevich Orlov, who was a favourite of Catherine the Great, in Gatchina, a suburb of the royal capital Saint Petersburg. The Gatchina Palace combines classical architecture and themes of a medieval castle with ornate interiors typical of Russian classicism, located on a hill in central Gatchina next to Lake Serebryany. The Gatchina Palace became one of the favourite residences of the Russian Imperial Family, and during the 19th century was an important site of Russian politics. Since the February Revolution in 1917 it has been a museum and public park, and received UNESCO World Heritage Site status in 1990.

Empress gave this palace to her lover who killed her husband, the emperor. When lover died she gave the palace to her son, who hated her and loved his killed Emperor father. Son became the emperor himself and build a brand new palace-castle where he was killed by his men. Do you still need the GoT if you have real history of Russian Empire?

The huge palace of Emperor Paul just started to turn into a museum. For a long time there was a naval school. Now museums are much smaller than a quarter of the building, but restoration work is underway. A special impression is left by the private chambers and the office of Emperor Alexander 3. Small rooms and low ceilings contrast sharply with the luxury of the rest of the building.

“When Russian Tzar is fishing, Europe can wait” was said here more than hundred years ago. Lot of stories connected with this place. If you sick and tired from Spb maybe you have a royal blood, go to Gatchina like true Tzars did)

So impressive with this palace. I went there on autumn 2017. Outside in the morning was so quiet and no signs for tourists where is entrance but Russian pointed over there. Ticket price is 350 rubles for adults. There are 3 floor and 1 basement. Museum keepers was so nice and always try to tell history of this place even my Russian skill is fair.

A very beautiful place. A bit underrated. Tourists skip this destination.

Great place to visit place was under construction so we couldnt see everything but what we see was enough.

Very nicely restored new rooms. Audio guide is recommended. Trip down stairs to the passage is fun especially for the children.

An interesting place to look at. There are rich interior and wise personnel.

I'm a lucky person, because my little summer house is only two km from this amazing place. Ducklings, trees, flowers, architecture and atmosphere, everything is awesome in the park. Find three hours in your busy schedule and visit the Tzar's Palace. You'll find impressive historical rooms, halls and even the underground passage inside it.